Exclusions

What is an exclusion?

Exclusion is when a child is not allowed to attend school permanently or temporarily because they misbehaved. The headteacher can only exclude a child in line with the school’s behaviour policy.

Types of exclusions

Permanent exclusions

When the headteacher decides that your child should not return to that school. Schools should only exclude a pupil permanently as a last resort and usually as a consequence of:

• serious or continuous breach of the school’s behaviour policy; and
• a risk of harm to other pupils.

If a school experiences a serious incident involving a child which they feel gives them no choice but to exclude that child, the headteacher should use this flowchart to ensure they are aware of all available options as alternatives to exclusion for a serious incident. 

Fixed term exclusions

When the headteacher excludes a pupil from school for a set number of days. This can be up to 45 school days in any year. Schools must provide excluded students with full-time education from the sixth day of exclusion.

After an exclusion

Parents can complain to the school’s governing body. This depends on the nature and length of the exclusion. If the governing body supports and maintains a permanent exclusion, the parent or guardian can appeal to an Independent Review Panel.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

If a child or young person has SEND and is at risk of exclusion or has been given a fixed term or permanent exclusions, you can find more information on the Hackney Local Offer website.